Yes there are other vespa fans out there. I being one of them. I've had mine for almost four years now. I have a fully restored 1967 125 GT (with rare trapezoid headset) in showroom condition with a ported, polished and kitted engine and exhaust system. She's pushing almost 200cc's and tops out at 120.
Let me just warn you well ahead of time. You are getting into something much bigger than you expect.
Yes you need a full motorcycle license to drive one. Yes you have to take a course to get your license (you can skip it but its your head in the helmet so you decide.) Since Vespas are now the 'cool' thing to have the price is double what they should be or are actually worth. Be prepared to pay 5-7,000 for a scoot that looks nice and is somewhat reliable. Insurance is hard to get and has skyrocketed in price since they became popular. You are looking anything from $500 a year to $3000 depending on what is covered. Most places only cover you for collision. If someone hits it, steals it or knocks it over, you're on your own. If you hit someone they will cover damage to the car but not the scoot. And you have to have the scoot professional appraised for most companies to insure you. And uhm they are very easy to steal cause the old ones don't have ignition keys. Just start it and go.
If you want a Vespa you better be mechanicly inclined or know someone who is and has some serious patience for you. These things are well over 25 years old and they break down all the time. Most things can be fixed in the driveway or the side of the road but you have no know what you are doing. If it dies far from home you have to push it back. Parts can be pricey to and are not always in stock. Be prepared to wait for parts.
Driving in the city is probably the scariest thing anyone can do. Cars cabs and trucks don't give a flying fuck that you are on the road. Frankly they don't even see you. I almost got run over by an ambulance that wasn't looking. A scooter in the city is quick and convenient but its not carefree feet up cruising. that is for sure.
Storage. You are going to need to find a place to store your toy. They are made of steel and they rust like a son of a bitch if you keep them outdoors. A garage is what you need.
Gas is cheap at at $3 a tank for 150kms or so. But you have to have proper oil on hand to mix into the gas tank when you are filling it up. Without that, you aint going nowhere at any speed.
A helmet. Like I said its your melon in there and how much do you like being able to function normally? If you go down there are only a few things that will save you. Number one is the quality of your helmet. Sure a full face is not the coolest looking vintage italian helmet but hey a busted jaw and caved in face aint so pretty either. Gloves, natural instinct is to put your hands out when you fall. Leather gloves are the only thing that will keep the skin on your hands. Training, without training you are guaranteed to go down at some point. Learn to ride properly and avoid it.
Any other questions? If you are still interested then you've passed phase one.
Learning to drive in the nasty downtown is part 5.
jeremy -more info than you need to know- jive
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